Irishman on honeymoon dies in Greek fire, family confirms

Brian O'Callaghan-Westropp and his wife Zoe Holohan were on their honeymoon

A newly married Irishman is confirmed dead after being caught up in wildfires in Greece.

Brian O'Callaghan-Westropp, who was on honeymoon with his wife Zoe Holohan, became separated trying to escape the flames in the seaside resort of Mati.

In a statement, the two families said they were "deeply saddened" by his death.

They also asked for privacy "as we grieve and as Zoe makes her recovery".

Greece's citizen protection minister said on Thursday that arson is the suspected cause of the forest fire.

Mr O'Callaghan-Westropp, who was originally from County Clare, worked for a catering company and volunteered for Blood Bikes East, which provides an emergency medical transport service around hospitals in Dublin.

The organisation paid tribute to Mr O'Callaghan-Westropp in a post on its Facebook page, describing him as a diligent colleague and dear friend whose influence will last for decades to come.

Ms Holohan, from Dublin, remains in hospital after suffering burns to her head and hands.

The couple were travelling in a vehicle when they were forced to flee. Ms Holohan was able to escape to a nearby beach and was admitted to hospital last night.

Death of Irish citizen

Orla O'Hanrahan, the Irish Ambassador to Greece, confirmed the death of Mr O'Callaghan-Westropp in an interview with RTÉ.

"Our sympathies and hearts go out to his family at this time," she said.

More than 70 people have died in the wildfires which have devastated a number of Greek villages and holiday resorts.

Irish Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney confirmed one Irish citizen had been hospitalised with burns.

Mr Coveney said his department was also providing consular assistance to the person's family.

Devastating wildfires

More than 70 people have died in the wildfires, which have devastated a number of Greek villages and holiday resorts.

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras has declared three days of mourning, while Italy, Germany, Poland and France have all sent help in the form of planes, vehicles and fire fighters.

Spain and Cyprus have also offered assistance.